Is Les Schwab right?

[LibertyOrDeath]

So I went down to the local Les Schwab tire store to see my options for M/T tires. They gave me some options starting at 245/75R16.
The first was Maxxis Bighorn.

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The second was Dick Cepek Mountain Cat E/T.

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They seem to think they should be able to fit without a lift kit, which is contrary to everything I have read. With the stock rims will I be able to modify anything to make them fit, or is a lift required.

 

[tjkj2002]

Yep 245/70's on stock rims is about the biggest you can go without rubbing(may have some with MT tires at full lock and flexing),will need a lift to run 245/75's unless you have a KJ that was made before April 12th 2002(that sits 3/4" higher then later KJ's).

 

[LibertyOrDeath]

I figured that. Since I gotta get a lift anyway I might as well go bigger than 245/75

 

[J-Thompson]

I figured that. Since I gotta get a lift anyway I might as well go bigger than 245/75

go with OME suspension and 245/75's
go bigger with any lift and you will have big issues besides rubbing ,Gearing

 

[LibertyOrDeath]

I found out where the Les Schwab guy was coming from. My Ford Escape will fit 245/75R16 tires with no issues. My Jeep which comes with the same size tire stock, not so much. What size lift kit is the minimum. I was looking for the OME springs but I only found one web site out there and it wasn't very helpful.

 

[LibertyOrDeath]

Okay, I am now undecided between tires. I am thinking BFG Commercial T/A Traction, Dunlop Radial Rover R/T, and Firestone Destination M/T. These are fairly cheap and will go onto the wife's Escape once I get a lift and one of the tires above. Any one have input?

 

[JeepJeepster]

Can you really fit a 31" tire on a stock escape?

 

[LibertyOrDeath]

Can you really fit a 31" tire on a stock escape?

According to this link you can. Unlifted Ford Escape with 31" Super Swampers

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[tommudd]

yep running to the mall and back will be fine with those on the Escape, try going out on a trail and flexing some ????

 

[fouros]

they are VERY Worn 31's
on a rim with HUGE offset

 

[LibertyOrDeath]

My Escape is not completely useless, I was able to get it a little bit muddyish without getting stuck.

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My Escape is not going to sporting a Trail Rated badge or 31" Swampers, but it could at least fit the tires. Just to avoid confusion the red Escape is not mine.

 

[jeepkj02]

No way you are going to fit 245/75 on a stock KJ. Your going to need a lift to fit that. If you want go cheap get a BB, daystar is the best. I'm running OME springs on Rancho shocks, and love 'em. I got around 2", but you can probably get more out of HD springs, i'm running medium.

 

[LibertyOrDeath]

I am probably going to get the OME HD springs. Everywhere I have found them they cost the same as the medium, and CRD springs.

 

[tjkj2002]

No way you are going to fit 245/75 on a stock KJ. Your going to need a lift to fit that. If you want go cheap get a BB, daystar is the best. I'm running OME springs on Rancho shocks, and love 'em. I got around 2", but you can probably get more out of HD springs, i'm running medium.

Not true,I ran 245/75's(stock rims) on my '02 KJ for about 6 months(swapped them on my KJ from my Grand before it left the lot) until they where 50% worn.I only rubbed very slightly on the foglamp access doors at full lock,then again I have a pre-lowered KJ and that extra 3/4" helped out alot.

They won't fit on a lowered KJ though.

 

[Atrus]

With my Rusty's leveling spacer lift (1.75" front), I wouldn't be able to run 245/75's without rubbing. I didn't have any issue with pounding the pinch if needed, but I would most certainly rub well on the sway bar, at least with the Grabbers.

My 70 series grabbers rub on it at full lock.